With at least one video post everyday this season, May we have this CyberDance? offered a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into what makes this Festival tick. From interviews with today’s top choreographers, to hearing stories from faculty members about the days of old, to interacting with the greater Durham community, this blog has served as both informative and entertaining segments. Be sure to check back in next summer to see what the ADF and its many facets are up to. Until then, eat, drink, dance and be merry!

Now in it’s sixth year, the 60-credit MFA offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves for six weeks in the legendary international community of the ADF, followed by an intimate learning atmosphere at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. Few graduate programs can provide students with a wide range of experiences, opportunities, and imaginative approaches to thinking about dance. CyberDance was able to capture an MFA showing earlier this summer. Be sure to catch the last two MFA performances of the summer at the Reynolds Industries Theater, July 23-24.

In 1997, Ghanian choreographer and dancer Oh! Nii Sowah participated in the ADF’s International Choreographers Residency. Since then he has helped numerous students from Ghana attend the Festival. As chair of the Dept of Dance at the University of Ghana in Accra, he shared with CyberDance both his stories and wisdom.

In an effort to make the performing arts accessible to as many groups as possible, ADF developed Experience Dance – ADF’s complimentary ticket program. Through Experience Dance, the ADF distributes complimentary performance tickets to organizations that work with individuals, families, youth and seniors in need and who otherwise could not attend performances. Interested nonprofit organizations, as well as businesses and individuals who would like to help fund the Experience Dance program, are encouraged to contact Sarah Tondu, at (919) 684-6402 for more information.

Just over 30 years ago the American Dance Festival came to Durham, North Carolina. Not long behind came faculty members Natalie Gilbert, John Hanks, Gerri Houlihan, and Khalid Saleem. Summer after summer these faculty members have come to the ADF to partake in a cultural exchange that goes beyond the mere sharing of ideas. Teachers become mentors, and students expand their horizons. For their dedication to their art form and teaching for over 25 years, the ADF would like to thank and honor these four faculty members.

The ADF’s Board of Directors serves to both maintain and develop the traditions of the American Dance Festival. Working closely with Festival directors, board members add their valuable insight to the areas of development, marketing, and outreach. CyberDance sat down with a few board members at the King’s Daughters Inn to talk about their experiences of ADF’s contributions to the Durham community.

Over 400 students are here this summer and over half of them receive financial aid through donors’ contributions to the ADF Scholarship Fund. Some of these donors took a behind-the-scenes tour with ADF Director Charles Reinhart and Co-Director Jodee Nimerichter, visiting ADF students in classes and rehearsals.